The council on Monday voted in favor of a new ordinance that would prohibit selling, or giving away animals, in the public right-of-way. Violators could be cited with a misdemeanor and fined up to $250.

The ordinance still needs a second reading before it becomes law, but it's expected to receive final approval.

"This will move right along," said Salem City Councilor Chuck Bennett. Cracking down on curbside pet sales has received an "overwhelmingly positive response from the public," he said.

In March, Bennett asked city staff to draft a new ordinance after taking complaints about dogs being sold along heavily traveled streets.